02 March 2014

Russian Winter Festival

An upcoming local cultural event is on slate at Proctor's in Schenectady on Saturday March 8, 2014.  Details for the event are below

Winter festival honors Russian culture with music, crafts and food.

Don’t miss the Grand Finale of the 6th Annual Russian Winter Festival at Proctors! A day of Russian music, folk art and food - pancakes and caviar in particular. Russian culture is celebrated during the closing day of a monthlong festival.

The Russian Winter Festival has roots dating back to the pagan era. In Russia, the festival goes by the name Maslenitsa, a weeklong celebration meant to signify the end of the winter. The festival gives Capital Region a taste of cultural tradition. The celebration might be thought of as a Russian Mardi Gras or Carnival but has a few quirks specific to the Russians, the most important being the blini - Russian pancakes.

The headlining group at this year's festival is Art-Trio Volnitsa from Moscow known to play both improvised and arranged music, giving them a sound described "as a Russian take on jazz." The group performs popular Russian folk songs tied to the spirit of the celebration and its historic background.

What else is to enjoy at the festival?

The art exhibitions, “Remembring Russia” by Tatiana Rhinevault and the Soviet propaganda posters. Contests: Best Braided Hairdo and Russian Poetry Recital. People can dress up in costumes inspired by traditional clothing and get their photos taken. Among the other learning opportunities featured at the finale, the Third Rifle Division Association, a reenacting group, portrays a typical squad of a World War II Russian rifle division.

Check Proctor's website for more details

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